Where and When: Offered at least once annually by most project sites, cultural or regional studies programs are usually conducted as summer institutes or as connected one- or two-day workshops during the academic year. Project sites or the CISP statewide office (209 946-2280) should be consulted for details. See the regional sites section for the geographic coverage areas for our seven sites.
Standards, Content and Grade Level: Cultures and/or world regions are the focus of study at almost every grade level in the California History-Social Science Content Standards, and the study of other cultures offers frequent opportunities to develop the skill standards.
Program Description: Project sites frequently provide teachers with opportunities to learn in depth about other world areas. The focus is on the histories, belief systems, values, traditions, and institutions – economic, social, political, artistic, and religious -- of one or more of the world’s diverse cultures or geographic regions. Cultures and regions are studied as dynamic entities that are impacted by external events, disputes or crises, but that also exert an influence on the world beyond their own boundaries. The purpose is to develop an understanding of the richness and variety of the human community, to gain a comparative perspective on one’s own life and culture, and to learn to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” A common objective is learning to relate to other cultural representatives and traditions with dignity, respect and understanding.
Additional Information: The project has a strong commitment to connecting academic study of a culture or world region with a travel/study experience in the country or area itself. When possible, project sites combine a culture- or region-focused summer institute, academic-year follow up experiences and travel/study in the region during a subsequent summer.
Funding: Some programs are sponsored through core state and federal support provided to project sites. Philanthropic foundations dedicated to promoting knowledge and understanding of specific regions or world cultures support others. Ethnic communities occasionally mobilize local or organizational support to promote knowledge of their cultural heritage. A program fee or some form of cost sharing are sometimes required.
California International Studies Project